Selling a used car in times of crisis has advantages and setbacks. On the one hand, there are more drivers willing to buy a second-hand vehicle. But there is also less liquidity among buyers, who tend to cut costs and negotiate prices. How to achieve a successful sale in this context? These are the keys:
Know the market
The first step is to find out how much the car has worth and set a reasonable sale price. This must be done in several ways:
- Ask for a valuation to the professionals of the sector (mechanics, dealers, resellers, etc.).
- Consult the insurance company about the real value of the car in the market.
- Find out how much other owners ask for similar vehicles.
Put yourself in the place of the buyer
When a person decides to buy a used car, he does not only disburse his money but also deposits his trust. Unlike new vehicles, used cars have a past that the buyer does not know. Avoid the evasions and answer all your questions in a clear and truthful way.
The buyer needs to know the history of the car: if it has had one or more owners, if it has been stored in the garage or outdoors, if it has had a work or family use, if it has received all the mechanical services in a timely manner. All the documentation that can prove the care will be very useful to help you decide.
Highlights the qualities
The two essential criteria that affect the valuation of a car are age and mileage. This data should always appear in an advertisement. Other interesting details are given in the following list. Review it and place them in your ad in order of importance:
- Brand and model.
- Know that the vehicle has not suffered accidents.
- Having overcome all mechanical controls.
- The condition of the chassis and the body.
- The number of owners you have had.
- The state of the engine, type of fuel it uses and consumption.
- The state of the upholstery.
- The safety and comfort accessories.
- The price.
- vehicle registration renewal
Image
It is not enough for the car to be good: it must look like it. The cleanliness, order and care in the details reinforce the sense of care. It is psychology: if the owner is concerned about cleaning, vacuuming, waxing and perfuming his car, he must also be as careful with the mechanical and structural components. In addition to a thorough washing and thorough cleaning of the interior, there are other ways to prepare the car to sell in order to get a better assessment.
Where and how to find buyers
Friends and acquaintances
It is oldest marketing strategy but it works. You will not lose anything by telling your friends that you want to sell the car. Closing a deal with a relative gives peace, but the circle is sometimes reduced.
Posters in the windows
Another more traditional option and effective, because it is the car that promotes itself. Anyone who passes by will be able to see what is sold. The bad, sometimes you will have to omit details that may be interesting.
General and specialized press
Publishing the advertisement in the newspapers allows reaching more people, while doing it in magazines of the sector is a direct line with people who are interested in the motor world. Of course, these ads are usually paid and you can publish little information about the car.
Internet
As sure you know, selling a car on the Internet is free. You get a huge number of people and allows you to include photos and detailed information. It is, without doubt, the future (although there are people who still do not trust it).
Dealers
You leave the car in the hands of a professional is more comfortable and often faster. The bad that usually earn less money and you have to leave the car.
